Tag: California wildfires 2025

California DIR Issues Additional Fire Recovery, Cleanup Guidance

In response to continuing recovery and cleanup efforts following wildfires in Southern California, the state’s Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) posted updated guidance for workers and employers on how to proceed rapidly and safely to address the risks associated with fire debris removal and cleanup, the DIR announced February 5. Hazardous conditions persist, even after […]

EHSDA Song of the Week: Pick Up the Pieces

Now that the California wildfires are under control, the long, arduous job of cleanup and recovery has begun. This week, the state’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) announced that employers performing cleanup work are subject to California’s workplace safety and health regulations. With that in mind, the Song of the Week is “Pick […]

Cal/OSHA Updates Fire Cleanup Guidelines

Employers performing cleanup work following the recent Los Angeles and Ventura County fires are subject to California’s workplace safety and health regulations, according to the state’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA). The state workplace safety and health agency recently updated its guidelines for fire cleanup. The safety hazards of fire cleanup include demolition, […]

Examining the Environmental Impacts of the LA Fires

Exacerbated by strong, dry Santa Ana winds; low humidity; dry vegetation; and a long period with scarce rainfall, to date, the recent fires in the Los Angeles area of California have resulted in at least 28 fatalities; consumed more than 40,000 acres; and damaged more than 17,000 structures. Approximately 200,000 people were ordered to evacuate, […]

EHSDA Song of the Week: Los Angeles

The California wildfires have finally been contained, according to CAL FIRE, but the after-effects will be felt in the Los Angeles area and beyond for years. The fires caused 29 deaths and destroyed more than 16,000 structures, causing billions in damages. The FireAid benefit concert last night raised millions for fire relief, but there’s a […]

Cal/OSHA Raises Workplace Safety, Health Penalties

The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) raised its maximum penalties for regulatory, general, willful, or repeat safety and health violations, the agency announced January 27. Cal/OSHA is a division of the state’s Department of Industrial Relations (DIR). The state workplace safety and health agency set the following maximum penalties: The agency is […]

California wildfire

Cal/OSHA Issues LA County Wildfire Smoke Alert

On January 7, the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) issued a wildfire smoke alert in response to the Palisades Fire’s impact on air quality in Los Angeles County’s Pacific Palisades area. The state agency reminded California employers of their duty to protect workers from the health effects of wildfire smoke. Cal/OSHA’s wildfire […]